Where Do I Start? A Simple Way to Begin Your Journaling Practice

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard it.

“I want to journal, but I don’t know what to write.”

It happens almost every time I introduce someone to the idea of reflective journaling—whether it’s at a workshop, over coffee, or in a passing conversation. Their eyes light up when I talk about the benefits: clarity, emotional release, insight, peace. But then comes that common hesitation, always with a tinge of guilt: But I wouldn’t know where to start.

I get it. The blank page can feel intimidating. Like standing at the edge of a forest without a map. You’re willing to take the first step, but you don’t know which direction to walk in.

So here’s the truth: you don’t need to have the perfect words or even know exactly what you’re trying to say. You just need a doorway.

That’s why I created the 22 Gates of Growth Prompt Deck—a tool designed to help you open the door to self-discovery. Each Gate represents a core aspect of the human experience, like Courage, Loss, Forgiveness, or Creativity. Pull one card, sit with the prompt, and write whatever comes. There’s no right or wrong way. Just a beginning.

But if you want a little more structure—especially if you’re feeling stuck—here’s a simple exercise I’ve used with workshop participants that gets your pen moving and your thoughts flowing.

---

The Life Wheel Exercise

The Life Wheel is a simple self-assessment tool used in coaching and personal development to help you visualize balance (or lack of it) across different areas of your life. Here’s how to use it for journaling:

1. Draw a circle and divide it into 8 slices (like a pizza).
2. Label each section with a key area of your life. I usually suggest:
   • Health
   • Relationships
   • Career
   • Spirituality
   • Finances
   • Fun & Recreation
   • Personal Growth
   • Environment
3. Rate each area from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (fully satisfied), and shade accordingly.
4. Now look at your wheel. Where are you thriving? Where are you struggling?

Once you’ve completed the wheel, pick one section and use it as a journaling prompt. Try something like:

• Why did I rate this area the way I did?
• What would a “10” look like in this area?
• What’s one small action I could take to move in that direction?

This simple reflection can unlock powerful insights—and it only takes about 15 minutes.

---

Your Journey Is Yours Alone

Journaling isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty. And the beautiful thing is, once you start, the path begins to reveal itself.

Whether you use the 22 Gates of Growth Prompt Deck as your compass or start with the Life Wheel as your map, the most important thing is just to begin.

And if you need a journal to capture it all, you know where to find one 😉

Keep going.